When Kyrie Irving awkwardly left Nike in 2023, sneaker fans were left to wonder what sneaker brand would land him. Kyrie Irving’s signature line was immensely popular, and Nike’s best-selling signature basketball line, so it would be a huge asset for whatever brand managed to land him.

Ultimately it would be the Chinese brand Anta who ended up signing Kyrie. It took them some time for Anta to create an official signature shoe for Irving, and while he waited for that model, he played in the Shock Wave 5 which turned out to be a great on-court performance basketball shoe and almost felt like it was designed specifically for Kyrie.

The Anta Shock Wave 6 is no different. Again we have a very thoughtfully designed basketball shoe that, even though it wasn’t designed for Kyrie specifically, is still packed with Kyrie-friendly features. With all that being said, let’s jump into the review and see how these should perform on court.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Specs:

Anta Shock Wave 6 Traction

The Shockwave 6 delivers in terms of traction, especially for players who want a shoe that can handle both indoor and outdoor courts. The shoe is equipped with a thick, durable rubber outsole with a full-length herringbone traction pattern, which is one of the most reliable patterns out there. The grooves are not only deep but are designed to withstand heavy wear, making this model a solid option for players who frequently play on rough outdoor courts.

One standout feature of the traction design is its emphasis on mobility and change of direction. The sole and midsole of this shoe are very reminiscent of the builds we have seen in previous Kyrie Irving models. The flat and wide base provides a stable platform for quick, shifty movements, while the rounded edges on either side, allow for maximum mobility on more exaggerated moves on court. If you are a light agile player on court who is looking for a shoe that can keep up with your explosive playing style, the Shock Wave 6 should be on your radar.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Cushion

The cushioning of the Anta Shockwave 6 is somewhat minimal, catering to players who prefer court feel over impact protection. Although the exact foam used isn’t clearly specified, it appears to be a version of Nitro Edge foam (the foam Anta used in the 5). This setup is quite different compared to what we had on the Shock Wave 5, and feels snappy and reactive underfoot.

The forefoot is particularly low to the ground, ideal for players who prioritize quick cuts and fast footwork. While the heel offers slightly more cushioning, it’s far from what you’d expect in a heavily cushioned model. Instead, this shoe feels much more like an older Nike Kyrie model, offering minimalistic cushioning that provides enough comfort without sacrificing a close-to-the-court experience.

This cushioning setup is also, unfortunately, not ideal for outdoor play. It would have been nice to have a more plush setup underfoot to combine with the durable outsole of the shoe. But, alas, that is not the case.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Materials

The materials used in the Shockwave 6 are mostly synthetics and textiles, designed to be lightweight and durable. Though there is no premium leather or suede in this model, the textiles and TPU thread provide a high-quality appearance and feel. The design utilizes multi-layered stitching and a combination of textures to give the shoe a premium aesthetic without the premium price tag.

Despite being constructed from synthetics, the shoe still manages to deliver a sense of craftsmanship. The attention to detail in this shoe is evident and performance is also on point. This synthetic build is thin, breathable, and conforms to the foot well, but isn’t lacking at all in terms of containment.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Support

Support is another area where the Shock Wave 6 excels. This shoe is built to keep up with anything you can throw at it on court. The shoe features an EVA-wrapped TPU wing on the lateral side, enhancing stability during side-to-side cuts and preventing rollover. On top of that, there are two lockdown wings integrated into the lacing system on either side of the shoe for extra lateral lockdown.

An external TPU heel counter adds to the shoe’s support system, ensuring that your foot stays locked in as you play. The shoe also includes a substantial TPU shank plate, a feature often missing in many current basketball models, providing excellent torsional rigidity and preventing unwanted twisting and adding some snap underfoot.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Fit

The Anta Shock Wave 6 fits true to size so, our recommendation is to go with whatever size you usually wear in other brands. The lacing system is particularly noteworthy; it features an internal lacing structure that helps secure the foot within the shoe, reducing slippage and increasing lockdown. The top two eyelets (the two lockdown wings we mentioned), in particular, provide an extra level of lockdown by threading independently down to the strobel board.

Anta Shock Wave 6 Overall

In terms of overall performance, the Anta Shockwave 6 is a solid, well-rounded basketball shoe that excels in durability, traction, and support. It is particularly well-suited for players who favor a minimalist cushioning setup, preferring a shoe that provides excellent court feel and a snappy reactive ride. The shoe is built with synthetic materials, but it still feels relatively premium in hand and, at the end of the day, we are talking about a $105 shoe.

Where the Shock Wave 6 may fall short for some players is in the cushioning department. If you’re looking for a plush, cushy ride, the Shock Wave 6 is not the shoe for you. Also, for outdoor play, it would have been nice to have better impact protection. However, for players who prioritize speed, agility, and court feel, this shoe delivers on all fronts.

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Disclosure

Thanks to KICKSOWN for sending us a pair of the Anta Shock Wave 6 to review. KICKSOWN had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.